Lakers legend and Clippers executive Jerry West has died at the age of 86, the Clippers organization says.
In a statement, the Clippers confirmed West’s death and called him “the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him.”
Jerry’s wife Karen was by his side when he passed, the Clippers said.
West, a graduate of West Virginia University, was drafted by the Lakers in 1960 and spent his entire 14-year NBA career with the team, winning the 1972 NBA title; his No. 44 was retired by the Lakers in 1983.
He is the only player in NBA history to win Finals MVP despite being on the losing side, doing so in 1969.
Nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, West was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor.
A 14-time NBA All-Star, West retired and coached the Lakers before joining their front office and building the “Showtime” dynasty that would eventually win five NBA championships. He won another three as Lakers GM between 2000 and 2002 and secured NBA Executive of the Year twice.
He was also integral in the formation of the Golden State Warriors championship teams in the mid-2010s.
In addition, West was the inspiration for the NBA’s logo.
West Virginia University posted a short tribute to X remembering the “iconic figure” in basketball history and dubbing him “forever a Mountaineer.”
The Clippers released their official statement on West’s passing just before 8:45 a.m. Tuesday:
Today, the world has lost an icon and a national treasure, as beloved in the hollows of West Virginia as he was in the hills of Los Angeles and all points in between. The Clippers have lost a mentor, a confidant and a friend. We are simultaneously devastated and honored to have witnessed the last chapter of Jerry West’s legendary career. To the end, he was a fierce competitor, a giving teammate and a lot of fun. His passion for the game was without parallel. His wisdom, his generosity, and his humor are forever sewn into the fabric of this franchise. He gave his heart to everything and everyone he touched. Our deepest condolences go out to the West family and the entire basketball community, united under one logo.”
Los Angeles Clippers official statement regarding Jerry West’s passing
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement regarding West’s passing early Wednesday morning.
“Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years,” the statement read in part. “He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14 of his playing seasons, but was also a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments…I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years of basketball and life.”
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer also released a statement that read in part:
“This is a hard day…I am honored to call Jerry a confidant, an advisor and a friend,” Ballmer’s statement said. “Connie, my wife, called him my ‘basketball dad’ [and] he was absolutely my basketball sage: wise, loyal and so much fun. If you were in his presence, you felt his competitiveness and his drive…From the first day I met Jerry seven years ago, he inspired me with his intellect, honesty and enthusiasm. He never stopped. I spent a lot of time with him, some of the best times of my life. He always lent an ear, he always had a quip and he always left me laughing. I will miss him.”
